Israeli official warns of the growing 'tsunami' of antisemitism

Fox News - Mar 22nd, 2025

The wave of antisemitism that has surged globally following the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel is described as a 'lethal antisemitism' by Michal Cotler-Wunsh, Israel’s special envoy for combating antisemitism. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) documented over 10,000 antisemitic incidents in the U.S. alone from October 7, 2023, to October 6, 2024, marking the highest annual count since 1979. The aftermath of these attacks saw protests erupt across university campuses and major cities, with some demonstrations even expressing support for the attackers. Cotler-Wunsh highlights the widespread nature of this antisemitism, observing its presence in academic settings where figures like Cornell professor Russell Rickford have controversially described the attacks as 'exhilarating.'

The significance of this rise in antisemitism extends beyond the Jewish community, serving as a broader warning for humanity about the dangers posed by normalized hate. Cotler-Wunsh advocates for institutions worldwide to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, which delineates antisemitic actions and rhetoric. While criticizing Israel does not automatically equate to antisemitism, the IHRA considers denying Israel's right to exist as inherently antisemitic. This definition has been adopted by 1,266 entities globally, including national governments and international organizations, underscoring the urgent need for consistent policy enforcement to combat this growing threat.

Protests Antisemitism Israel Hamas Conflict Anti Defamation League Michal Cotler Wunsh International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance Academic Institutions

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RATING

6.6

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a timely and relevant examination of the rise in antisemitism following the October 7 attacks and the subsequent global protests. It effectively highlights concerns from the perspectives of Michal Cotler-Wunsh and the ADL, but lacks a comprehensive view due to the absence of diverse perspectives. The reliance on a single news outlet and the lack of detailed explanations of methodologies limit its transparency and source quality. The article is generally clear and well-structured, making it accessible to a broad audience, though it could benefit from additional context and deeper analysis to enhance its impact and engagement potential. Overall, the article succeeds in raising awareness about important issues but could be strengthened by incorporating a wider range of viewpoints and more thorough exploration of the underlying topics.

Accuracy

The article makes several factual claims, such as the reported rise in antisemitic incidents by the ADL and the nature of protests following the October 7 attacks. The ADL's claim of over 10,000 antisemitic incidents is a significant statistic that requires verification, and the article does not provide direct evidence or data to back this. The article also mentions specific protests and statements by individuals like Michal Cotler-Wunsh, which are accurately attributed but need further context to assess their full accuracy. The statements regarding the IHRA definition adoption and the global rise in antisemitism are generally consistent with available data, but specific numbers and examples should be cross-referenced with reliable sources for full accuracy.

Balance

The article predominantly presents the perspective of Michal Cotler-Wunsh and the ADL, focusing on the rise of antisemitism and its implications. While it effectively highlights concerns from these viewpoints, it lacks representation from other perspectives, such as those of the protestors or academic institutions mentioned. This creates a potential imbalance, as the article does not provide a comprehensive view of the different sides involved in the discussion on antisemitism and the reactions to the October 7 events. Including voices from the academic community or protest organizers could provide a more nuanced and balanced perspective.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the main points. The language is straightforward, making the content accessible to a broad audience. However, some complex topics, such as the implications of adopting the IHRA definition, could be explained in more detail to enhance understanding. Overall, the article maintains a neutral tone, though it occasionally leans towards emotive language, particularly when discussing the rise in antisemitism.

Source quality

The article cites credible sources such as the Anti-Defamation League and statements from an Israeli envoy, which enhances its reliability. However, the reliance on a single news outlet, Fox News Digital, and the absence of diverse sources limit the breadth of perspectives and potential cross-verification of facts. While the sources used are authoritative within their domains, the article would benefit from incorporating additional sources, such as independent experts or academic studies, to strengthen its credibility and provide a more rounded view.

Transparency

The article provides some context for the claims made, such as the ADL's tracking of antisemitic incidents and the adoption of the IHRA definition. However, it lacks detailed explanations of the methodologies used by these organizations to gather data or the criteria for defining antisemitism. Additionally, the article does not disclose potential conflicts of interest or biases that could affect the reporting. Greater transparency in these areas would help readers better understand the basis of the claims and assess their validity.